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Justice Khaled al-Hawsni of the family court also said on the department's website that couples who have already completed marriage formalities must not organise wedding parties "even among their immediate circles".

On Tuesday, the Personal Status Court in Dubai decided to suspend all legal services related to family matters based on Islamicjurisprudence, which holds that “repelling an evil is preferable to securing a benefit", the Arab news reported.

Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, has come to a virtual halt, with its famous malls and sprawling hotels shuttered.

All citizens and residents, other than those in essential services, require a permit to leave their homes.